And the Nominees are…..

The creme of the Chicago land theater scene were all in attendance and It really felt like a community affair. So many professionals in one place celebrating their love of the theater and dedication to the future of the industry in Chicago.

Whitney hosted with fellow NU Alum Erik Kaiko (The King and I), and Aja Goes (Putting it Together). Michael Webber directed a very tightly run show featuring performances by the casts of Spamalot and Grease. But the showstopper of the night was given by Bethany Thomas from Porgy and Bess. Her earthshaking performance was grounded, technically impeccable and deeply moving.

Whitney, Erik, and Aja at the Awards

Chicago Shakespeare and The Goodman went away with the most wins (Chi. Shakes with 4 and Goodman with 7) for The Madness of King George III directed by Penny Metropulos and Candide directed by Mary Zimmerman. Hedy Weiss, renown Chicago critic for the Chicago Sun Times, gave one of the most memorable speeches of the evening for her Special Award for Contribution to Theater. For a full rundown of winners and nominees click here.

This was Whitney’s first Jeff’s! Special thanks to Michael Webber and the wonderful tech team behind the show.